President Donald Trump denied maintaining any friendship with Jeffrey Epstein after becoming president. A document shared by Representative Sean Casten suggested otherwise, claiming they spent Thanksgiving 2017 together. White House information and public records show Trump was in Mar-a-Lago during that time.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has said he and Jeffrey Epstein ended their friendship over a decade before Epstein's 2019 arrest.
Representative Sean Casten shared emails implying Trump and Epstein spent Thanksgiving 2017 together.
Official reports show Trump was in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on Thanksgiving Day 2017.
Trump interacted with military personnel and coastguard members that day.
The White House stated Trump spent Thanksgiving with his family at Mar-a-Lago.
PolitiFact found no evidence of a meeting between Trump and Epstein on that day.
Trump was reported to have banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in 2007.
Different accounts exist about the timing of Trump and Epstein's falling out.
President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition, saying it is punishable by death. The lawmakers, all veterans, released a video urging U.S. military members to follow the Constitution and not obey illegal orders.
Key Facts
President Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition.
The accusation involves a punishment of death for sedition.
The lawmakers are veterans of the armed services and intelligence community.
They released a 90-second video message to U.S. military members.
The message urged service members to uphold the Constitution.
The video was posted by Senator Elissa Slotkin on social media.
Other lawmakers involved are Senator Mark Kelly, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan.
The video emphasized the stress and pressure on military members.
Home Depot denied claims that it coordinated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after reports of immigration raids at its stores. This led to boycott calls and protests at various Home Depot locations. The company stated it was not informed about ICE activities and instructed its staff to report incidents for safety.
Key Facts
Home Depot denied working with ICE on immigration raids.
Allegations led to protests and boycott calls at Home Depot stores.
President Trump increased immigration enforcement, leading to more deportations.
Reports suggest ICE targets locations like Home Depot for arrests.
Protests occurred in cities like Chicago and Charlotte, with many calling for Home Depot to protect its patrons.
Home Depot's recent sales report showed missed targets, partly due to slow consumer spending.
A boycott is planned from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday in protest against alleged cooperation with ICE.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are not supporting a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, despite pressure from some progressive allies. While some progressives see Jeffries as too moderate, Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani prefer to focus on other political goals.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani are well-known progressive politicians.
Some in their party want to challenge Hakeem Jeffries for being too moderate.
Chi Ossé has shown interest in running against Jeffries but has not officially announced.
Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani do not support challenging Jeffries at this time.
They believe focusing on issues like affordability and other policies is more important.
Mamdani will become Mayor in January and may need allies in the City Council.
Progressive leaders like Saikat Chakrabarti support Ossé and want major Democratic changes.
Melissa Tran, a woman who had lived in the United States for over 20 years as a lawful permanent resident, was deported to Vietnam. Tran, who had a criminal record from her teenage years, was deported despite previously holding a green card due to changes in U.S. immigration policies under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Melissa Tran, also known as Mong Tuyen Thi Tran, came to the U.S. from Vietnam as a child and lived in Maryland.
She was deported to Vietnam after being detained by immigration authorities for several months.
Tran was initially ordered to be deported in 2004 due to a past criminal conviction for stealing checks.
Vietnam previously refused to accept her, as they did not repatriate immigrants who left before 1995.
Tran was taken into custody by ICE and eventually deported after travel documents were obtained from Vietnam.
She complied with regular check-ins with ICE for over 20 years before being deported.
Tran, a mother of four, owned a nail salon in Hagerstown, Maryland.
A woman in Louisiana had trouble renting an apartment because her dog was not allowed by the building's insurance. The apartment owners asked her to consider giving up her dog, which she found upsetting.
Key Facts
A woman's dog was a barrier to her getting an apartment in New Orleans.
The apartment's insurance did not allow the woman's dog, and they suggested rehoming it.
Blair, the woman, shared her experience on social media, expressing frustration.
The apartment had been on the market and even lowered rent but still denied her due to the dog.
Insurance policies often limit certain dog breeds in rental properties for liability reasons.
Pit bulls, among other breeds, are commonly restricted due to stereotypes of aggression.
The situation prompted many online reactions, with people expressing support for Blair.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation called "Charlotte's Web" in Mecklenburg County has ended. Despite this, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will continue its routine enforcement in the area, and over 370 individuals were arrested during the operation. The county sheriff's office plans to maintain communication with the community about these federal activities.
Key Facts
"Charlotte's Web" was a federal immigration operation in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
The operation officially ended with no further CBP actions planned immediately in Charlotte.
It started on Saturday, November 15, and ended on Thursday, November 20.
Over 370 individuals were arrested during the operation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will carry on with its regular enforcement.
The local sheriff's office will not engage in immigration enforcement but will release individuals to ICE when required by state law.
The sheriff emphasized transparency and accountability to the community.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the operation as targeting dangerous illegal aliens.
A Fox News poll shows that more voters now view the economy negatively under President Trump compared to President Biden. Concerns about rising prices for necessities like groceries and housing are increasing financial strain on American households. The poll indicates that more people hold President Trump responsible for economic issues.
Key Facts
A Fox News poll found that 76% of voters see the economy negatively under President Trump.
Under Biden, 70% viewed the economy negatively at the end of his presidency.
85% of people think grocery prices increased, with 60% saying they increased "a lot."
60% of respondents rate their household finances as fair or poor.
76% of people judge economic conditions as poor or fair nationally.
62% of voters hold President Trump more responsible for the economy than Biden, with only 32% blaming Biden more.
Economic dissatisfaction is noted most among voters under 45, those without a college degree, lower-income households, and Hispanic and Black voters.
The national debt is at $18.6 trillion, with sharp increases in mortgages, auto loans, student debt, and credit card debt.
A new study published in Science Advances found that exposure to recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water does not negatively affect cognitive abilities and may have slight positive effects. This finding contradicts President Trump's administration's stance, which referenced studies suggesting fluoride harms child IQ. Some states have already moved to ban fluoride in water, but the study suggests there's no negative cognitive impact at recommended fluoride levels.
Key Facts
A study says recommended fluoride levels in water do not harm cognitive health.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports removing fluoride due to concerns about child IQ.
President Trump's administration previously cited studies linking fluoride to reduced IQ.
Some states, like Florida and Utah, have banned adding fluoride to public water.
The study used data on U.S. children and found possible slight cognitive benefits from fluoride.
Many earlier studies looked at higher-than-recommended fluoride levels and were done outside the U.S.
Fluoride has been added to water for decades to strengthen teeth.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) canceled naturalization ceremonies in several counties across New York. These cancellations raise concerns about the accessibility and fairness of the citizenship process. Local officials and community members are seeking clarification and reversal of the decision.
Key Facts
USCIS canceled naturalization ceremonies in several New York counties, including Westchester and Rockland.
The cancellation is due to a review of the jurisdiction of certain courts under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
A USCIS spokesman stated the ceremonies will switch from judicial to administrative settings.
Local officials received sudden notification and had little explanation about the change.
Critics argue that this move creates practical challenges and emotional obstacles for new citizens.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested a reversal of the cancellations.
Congressman Mike Lawler expressed concerns and urged USCIS to reconsider the decision.
A new federal law signed on July 4th introduced tax cuts and deductions for Americans, but some states and Washington D.C. have chosen not to follow these changes for their own state taxes. This means people in those areas may not see the tax benefits on their state tax returns.
Key Facts
The new federal law, called the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), created various tax deductions and exemptions for Americans, like letting seniors have a bigger deduction and exempting tips and some overtime pay from federal taxes.
States have different tax laws and do not have to follow federal changes unless they decide to.
Washington D.C. has temporarily blocked these new federal tax changes from applying to its state taxes starting January 1, 2025.
D.C.'s block on these provisions will last for 90 days, with a possible extension for an additional 225 days.
Colorado, New York, Illinois, and Maine have all chosen not to adopt certain new federal tax breaks, so their residents will not get these tax benefits on state returns.
States are concerned about how these federal tax breaks might affect their budgets and the complexity of making these changes.
President Donald Trump called for the arrest of several Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of seditious actions, and suggested their conduct was "punishable by death." Democratic leaders condemned Trump's statements, citing concerns for the safety of the lawmakers. They also criticized Trump for using violent language.
Key Facts
President Trump demanded the arrest of certain Democratic lawmakers.
He accused them of being "seditious" and suggested their actions warranted the death penalty.
The lawmakers in question include Jason Crow, Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin.
House Democratic leaders issued a statement condemning Trump's remarks.
The Democrats emphasized that political violence has no place in America.
They have been in contact with security officials to ensure the safety of the lawmakers involved.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized Trump's comments on social media.
The Democrats in the video urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
Some ByHeart baby formula sold in stores was found to be contaminated with bacteria that can cause botulism, a serious illness in infants. Despite a recall, the formula is still being sold in some U.S. stores, and over 30 babies have fallen ill. State and federal health officials urge parents to stop using the product and offer refunds.
Key Facts
Over 30 cases of infant botulism linked to ByHeart formula have been reported in 15 states.
The formula has been recalled, but some stores are still selling it.
Tests showed the presence of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria causing botulism.
ByHeart notified the FDA of contamination, but specific details on samples were not provided.
Inspections at ByHeart facilities in Iowa and Oregon are ongoing, with no public results yet.
Walmart has removed the formula from stores and offers refunds to customers.
Health officials encourage people to stop using the formula and mark it as unusable.
President Donald Trump signed a law requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This action followed pressure from political leaders, including those in his own party. A news briefing by the White House press secretary is scheduled to discuss this decision.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a law to release Epstein-related files.
The signing happened after political pressure from his party.
Trump initially resisted releasing these files.
The White House press secretary will hold a briefing at 1 p.m. ET.
Trump claimed Democrats use the Epstein issue to distract from Republican successes.
Trump mentioned he had the option to release the files earlier.
President Donald Trump signed a law that orders the U.S. Justice Department to release documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case within 30 days. The Attorney General stated the department will follow this order but mentioned that some information might be kept back for legal reasons.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump signed a new law about the Epstein files.
The law requires the Justice Department to release the documents in 30 days.
The case involves Jeffrey Epstein.
The Attorney General confirmed the department will comply with the law.
Some documents might be withheld due to legal reasons.
The order aims to increase transparency about the Epstein case.
President Donald Trump suggested that the Biden administration withheld information related to Jeffrey Epstein. However, legal reasons and privacy concerns have prevented the complete release of all Epstein-related documents. While some files have been shared with Congress, sensitive material remains confidential to protect ongoing investigations and victims' rights.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed that the Biden administration did not release any files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI hold over 100,000 pages of evidence related to Epstein.
Legal restrictions and sensitive content are cited as reasons for not fully releasing all files.
Congress has been given more than 33,000 pages of Epstein-related documents by the DOJ.
Publicly released materials include flight logs and selected emails, but not grand jury testimony or evidence involving minors.
Grand jury transcripts require a judge’s approval for release, which has not been granted.
Ongoing investigations and the privacy of Epstein’s victims are key reasons for withholding some files.
The FDA has issued a Class I recall, the highest level, for Dry Ghoinnya Fish due to improper gut removal, which could lead to botulism, a dangerous illness. The fish were sold in New York and New Jersey but were distributed nationwide. No illnesses have been reported so far.
Key Facts
The recall involves Dry Ghoinnya Fish sold under the Hoque brand in 10-12 pound bags.
The fish might have not been properly gutted, raising the risk of botulism, a serious health threat.
The FDA gave the highest risk warning, Class I, for this recall.
Botulism can cause symptoms like dizziness, difficulty speaking, and muscle weakness.
The recall was based on findings from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Consumers are advised to return the fish for a full refund and watch for symptoms if consumed.
Uneviscerated fish sales are banned in New York due to botulism risk.
The product has an expiration date of 5/19/25 and a UPC code of 908172635412.
Two Texas House races have become more competitive as Democrats aim to regain seats won by President Donald Trump. Changes in voter preferences, especially among Hispanic voters, are influencing the outlook for these races. Election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball now rates these races as less certain for Republicans.
Key Facts
Democrats are focusing on two competitive Texas House districts previously won by President Trump.
These districts in South Texas have historically leaned Democratic but supported Trump in past elections.
Democrats hope to win back Hispanic voters, as recent polls show a decline in Trump's approval among this group.
Sabato's Crystal Ball changed its ratings for these districts, indicating they are more competitive.
The 15th District, held by Republican Monica De La Cruz, changed from "Safe Republican" to "Likely Republican".
The 34th District, held by Democrat Vicente Gonzalez, shifted from "Leans Republican" to "Toss-Up".
The new ratings are based on a new Texas district map meant to favor Republicans, but its use is currently uncertain due to a court ruling.
Changes are driven by potential shifts in Hispanic voter support and Trump's decreasing popularity among them.
The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and others for allegedly stealing FEMA disaster-relief funds to finance her 2021 congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick's lawyers deny the allegations and plan to defend her. If found guilty, she could face a long prison sentence and lose her seat in Congress.
Key Facts
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a U.S. Representative from Florida, faces charges of stealing FEMA disaster-relief funds.
Prosecutors claim the stolen funds were used to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
Her family health care company allegedly received FEMA overpayments linked to a COVID-19 contract.
The indictment also involves her brother and suggests funds were moved through different accounts to hide their origin.
Cherfilus-McCormick's staff allegedly used fake donors for more campaign contributions.
Republican Representative Greg Steube plans to censure her and remove her from congressional committees.
In addition to this case, she faces a separate ethics inquiry concerning her personal income and former business practices.
If convicted, she could face imprisonment and leave her position in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case, Chiles v. Salazar, which challenges Colorado's 2019 law banning gay conversion therapy for minors. This case will determine if states can regulate mental health professionals' speech when it involves therapy, potentially affecting similar laws in other states.
Key Facts
The case being considered is called Chiles v. Salazar.
Colorado's 2019 law bans conversion therapy for minors by licensed mental health providers.
The Supreme Court must decide if this law is a regulation of professional conduct or a restriction on free speech.
Conversion therapy tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and is widely considered harmful.
Kaley Chiles, a therapist in Colorado, argues the law limits her client interactions and censors her speech.
José Salazar, representing Colorado, supports the ban, citing safety and professional standards.
The Supreme Court's decision could impact similar bans in over 20 states.
The case was argued on October 7, and a decision is expected later this term.
